Student Artists Shine at Regional Scholastic Art Competition
The Scholastic Art Awards program is the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Locally, 54 school districts (public, private, and independent) sent their best student artwork to compete through multiple rounds of blind judging. Visual Art and Design Chair Teresa Henderson remarked that her students worked incredibly hard this year. "Putting their artwork out to be judged takes courage. I cannot calculate the extra hours students committed to finish their work, especially in a time when extra motivation can be harder to rustle up than usual!" The 24 MPH students who entered this year's competition garnered 33 regular awards and two special awards! MPH was the third-most-awarded school, with nine of our students moving on to compete at the national level. The amazing artwork speaks for itself. Take a look at the gallery of work and award winners below. Congratulations, artists!
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We Invite You to Our
All-School Meeting
Last week we shared a "lighter" side of our all-school meetings. This week, we'll show you a different side of our gatherings! We've recorded the entire meeting to offer families an opportunity to hear Mr. Montas's remarks about Martin Luther King Day, Mr. Twomey Smith's speech honoring the history of the Presidential Inauguration, Mrs. Doyle's students' reciting their poetry in recognition of this year's inaugural poet, and Mrs. Henderson's recognition of our student artists and Scholastic Art Award winners.
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A Message for Middle and Upper Schoolers |
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The second semester begins on Monday, January 25. Students in Grades 7 through 12 will have their new schedules taped to their lockers by the end of Friday’s school day. Upper School students may also check their schedule in NetClassroom; if they go there, they should be sure to look at the third quarter schedule. Students may make changes to their second semester schedule until Friday, February 5. Add/Drop forms are available in the Division Office.
Mr. Montas would also like students to know about a new elective course: African American Studies and the Idea of Race, which he is offering in the second semester and which will meet during F block. Here is the course description:
Ideas about race and the experiences of African Americans have shaped the development and character of the United States. By examining cultural, historical, and philosophical aspects of African American life since 1619, students in this course will develop an understanding of race as a social and political force in the United States. Three themes and questions organize this course:
- Encountering difference: Why has skin color mattered so much?
- Freedom and unfreedom: Does the experience of freedom depend on restricting access to it?
- Creativity and resistance: How has African American culture influenced American political activity?
To explore these themes and questions, students will read and study the works of important writers and artists, including W. E. B. Du Bois, Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin, Jacob Lawrence, Betye Saar, Claudia Rankine, Spike Lee, and Jesmyn Ward. They will also read short excerpts of works by important philosophers, including Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Wollstonecraft, Hegel, and Marx.
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Performing Arts at MPH: Mark Your Calendars!
The MPH Performing Arts Department will present the 20th Annual Student Choreography Concert via live stream on Saturday, January 23, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The production will showcase original works choreographed in a wide variety of dance genres by students enrolled in the Upper School Dance Composition and Performance class.
Click the link below at 2:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and enjoy the show!
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Save the Date! On Tuesday, February 2, at 7:00 p.m., the Middle and Upper School Bands and Orchestras will virtually perform their first-semester work. Zoom link will be forthcoming!
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The Real Cost of Social Media
Presenter: Jeff Knauss is the CEO & Co-Founder of Digital Hyve
Thursday, January 28, 2021
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
As social media evolves and continues to permeate our day to day lives, it leads to many questions. How is our data collected and used? What are the dangers and benefits living in a "smart" and connected world? Jeff will share his knowledge gained from working with the largest platforms in the world.
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Bridge Students Have Rhythm!
This week 4/5 Bridge students tested their musical skills with the "Cup Song." Students were learning about the musical element of syncopation in Music and More with Mrs. Dannan and Mrs. Koziara. Mrs. Dannan stated, "We had a great time experiencing syncopated patterns using an intricate and fun play of rhythm with cups!"
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This year we are pleased to present the MPH Spring Social, a virtual fundraiser on April 16, 2021, celebrating our amazing MPH community! And while we can't be together physically, this virtual event will allow us to be as social as ever! Chaired by MPH parent Cobbie Brundin, the event committee is hard at work creating a virtual experience you won't want to miss! Guests can look forward to great auction items, VIP gift bags, interactive games, a raffle, and celebratory toasts throughout the night! More information will be available soon, but if you'd like to get involved, here are a few ways:
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Become a sponsor! There are many different support levels, all with their own unique benefits.
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Donate an item! Our silent auction boasts a wide variety of items with something for everyone. Not sure what to contribute? Take a look at our wish list!
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Join our team! The Spring Social Committee is always in need of fresh ideas and creative energy. Email us to get involved!
- Attend the event! More information will be available soon regarding ticket prices and the evening itinerary. Stay tuned and plan to be a part of this annual event that celebrates all of us at MPH!
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Give Back with Amazon Smiles
Did you know that you could be supporting MPH every time you shop on Amazon? AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones. When you shop AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to MPH! Happy shopping!
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Enjoying the Snow!
While some of us have been enjoying our unusually mild winter, MPH second-graders were thrilled to have snow on the ground for recess this week!
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